Explore South America
Planning a trip to South America on the Ultimate Americas Cruise is a cinch when the logistics and dining are taken care of and a comfy bed awaits you. The first segment of this world cruise departs Miami on Dec.10, 2023, and sails through Feb.11, 2024, ending in Los Angeles. You'll traverse the crystalline waters of the Caribbean toward Barbados and then venture south toward Cape Horn, Chile. En route, you'll sail in Antarctic waters dotted with impressive glaciers as you visit the world's coldest continent and then continue on to Ushuaia, Argentina. Pack layers, including wind/waterproof outerwear, because the winds are legendary, as is the wildlife that inhabits this dramatic landscape. You may want to pack seasickness medication since sailing around Cape Horn can get choppy due to the wind and the ocean's currents, and you don't want to miss a single exciting moment of your trip.
Your travel checklist should include light clothes too because you're headed to Rio de Janeiro, home of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, in time for New Year's Eve. Bring along a bathing suit and wildlife-safe sunscreen (sunscreens labeled "reef-safe" are compatible) to enjoy one of the 275 waterfalls that make up the Iguaçú Falls in Argentina. Don't forget comfy footwear to climb the ancient Maya sites of Mexico's Chichén Itzá and the former citadel in Peru's Machu Picchu. These stops let you check four world wonders off your list, before heading to the rainforests of Costa Rica, a Nicaraguan surfers' paradise and the vineyards of the Baja Peninsula.
Take in Asia
On the Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise, sailing Feb. 11 to May 9, 2024, you'll see some of the most awe-inspiring nature and man-made wonder's this planet has to offer. This second segment departs LA and sails to Hawaii, where you'll experience stunning black sand beaches and enjoy a traditional luau, feasting on shredded pork prepared in an underground oven called an imu, along with a side of poi (pounded taro root). You'll enjoy hula dancing — a historically significant way that Hawaiians pass on their culture to the next generations through song, movement and chants called oli.
Take in traditional dance in French Polynesia and swim in the mesmerizing sapphire-hued waters of Mooréa. You'll drift past sparkling white sandy beaches and emerald-green mountain peaks in Tahiti. Then, go scuba diving in one of the world's best-known natural wonders, Australia's Great Barrier Reef, where a rainbow's worth of fish — over 1,500 species — marine life and coral await your discovery.
Pack your walking shoes because Hong Kong; Manila, Philippines; Seoul, South Korea; and Beijing are all worthy of your daily steps, and walking part of the over-13,000-mile Great Wall of China is an experience you won't want to miss. In Japan, let the high-tech vibe of Tokyo engulf your senses. When it's time to decompress, hike up Mount Fuji or forest bathe near the Meiji Shrine. Eat at Michelin-starred stalls in Singapore, enjoy beef rendang in Malaysia, nosh on hot curry in Sri Lanka and save room for some of the best baguettes outside of France in Vietnam. Take a photo with your sweetheart in front of India's Taj Mahal and wrap it up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Marvel at the Middle East
Pack your cool cotton clothing for The Ultimate Middle East & Med Cruise, the third segment of the Ultimate World Cruise, sailing May 9 to July 10, 2024 because this 63-night cruise covers 44 mostly hot-weather destinations. Note that in many Middle Eastern countries like the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Oman, dressing modestly is required for locals and visitors alike. If you're photographing the spectacular world wonders of Jordan's ancient city of Petra or the mythical pyramids of Egypt, it's suggested you wear loose, cool capris or skirts that cover your knees and shirts or dresses that cover shoulders. You may want to keep a light shawl on hand if you're visiting a holy site in Jerusalem for example, as you may be requested to cover your shoulders or head to be respectful.
This segment also takes you to the Eastern Mediterranean with Cypriot castles, the Temple of Artemis in Turkey and lets you explore beautiful Bulgarian Byzantine architecture. Don't forget to visit Romanian vineyards, featuring vines dating back over 6,000 years. Let the rose gold sunset wash over you on whitewashed Greek isles, hail a gondola for a romantic ride through Venice, Italy's canals and feast your eyes on Croatia's Adriatic Sea jewel of Dubrovnik. Walk through history in Rome and end in the most majestic city by the sea, Barcelona, Spain.
Delight in Europe
The Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise from July 10 to Sept. 10, 2024 is the final segment, departing from Barcelona, home of architectural visionary Antoni Gaudí and artist Joan Miró. You'll sail south to Spanish cities Valencia, where the famous paella rice dish originated, and historic Cartagena. Then, explore Roman amphitheaters dating back to 1 AD before sailing through the Straight of Gibraltar toward Morocco. Visit the souks (markets) of Casablanca or Agadir, where haggling for the price of your souvenir is part of the salesmanship culture here. Treasures in tow, you'll head to Portugal as Lisbon's azulejo- (hand-painted tiles) lined street fronts beckon with delightful patterns. You'll smell the vanilla-scented allure of a must-try pasteis de nata (custard tart) before you see them, and indulge in a sip of luxurious port from the city of Porto. Grab a pint in Ireland, surrender to the charm of Paris, and start the next day with a café au lait and a flaky croissant before heading to many destinations, including Stockholm, Sweden, where the cobblestone-lined medieval Old Town (Gamla stan) dates back to 1252. It's a perfect place to enjoy a fika — this tradition involves a hot drink and a cardamom-spiced baked good. You'll also visit design-centric Copenhagen, Denmark.
Next up are the fairytale-looking fjords in Norway. Zen out in Iceland's Blue Lagoon's geothermal waters before heading to the most eastern province in Canada, rugged and stunning Newfoundland. For this leg you'll want to bring layers to protect yourself against the wind. Bid the Atlantic's breaching humpbacks goodbye as you sail to New York City and wind down your world cruise on the pink-hued sands of beautiful Bermuda before making your final stops in the Bahamas and Miami.
With this bird's eye view of the four segments of the Ultimate World Cruise coupled with a few key packing tips and region-specific cultural cues to keep you in the know, you're ready to embrace adventure and set sail on the trip of a lifetime.
